Barcelona’s Teenage Sensation Skyrockets into Elite Earnings Echelon

At only 18 years old, Lamine Yamal should receive around $43 million this season, including $10 million from commercial partnerships. A salary that allows him to join the top 10 of the highest paid footballers in the world, according to the Forbes 2025 ranking. The young Barça prodigy, who emerged during the 2023-2024 season, has set records for precocity, establishing himself as one of the promises of European football.

The Moroccan-born striker has recently signed a new six-year contract with the Catalan club, during which he will wear the mythical number 10 jersey. The young player has also signed commercial partnership contracts with several major brands such as Adidas, Visa and Konami, which has contributed to increasing his income. The Barcelona player is an Adidas ambassador and now has his own signature shoes.

The Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, under contract with the Saudi club Al-Nassr, tops this ranking with an estimated salary of $280 million this season. Lionel Messi comes in second with earnings of $130 million. Karim Benzema occupies the third place with $104 million. Kylian Mbappé ($95M), Erling Haaland ($80M) and Vinicius Junior ($60M) complete the list.